ECHO Journal

We welcome proposals for articles on any topic relevant to echocardiography and our members.

Format

Articles must be submitted as a Word document with any references in the Vancouver style.

Images may be included and all images must be submitted as separate pdf or jpg files in order to preserve image quality. All images should have any patient identifying information removed before submission. All images require captions and we recommend that you add the captions at the end of the Word document, ahead of the references i.e. Figure 1: Parasternal short-axis image showing bi-directional flow across a large defect in the inferior wall.

We also ask for profile pictures of all named authors.

Patient consent

If any patient-specific information is included, patient consent is essential and you must submit a completed disclaimer form to confirm that you have obtained consent. You can use our consent form, or your organisations’ if preferred. We recommend that once consent is obtained, it is held within the patient’s records; we do not usually request to see the actual consent form but it should filed securely in case it is required.

Examples

You may wish to refer to past editions for examples of published articles.

Access the ECHO archives

Structure

• Title: Create a concise and informative title that reflects the essence of the case
• Abstract:Write a summary (150-250 words) that includes the background, case presentation, and key findings or conclusions
• Introduction:Provide background information on the condition or issue being discussed. Explain the significance of the case and its relevance to existing literature
• Case presentation:Detail the patient’s demographics (age, sex, etc.), medical history, presenting symptoms, clinical findings, diagnostic tests, and treatment. Be thorough but concise
• Discussion:Examine the case within the framework of existing literature. Compare and contrast it with other cases, discussing practical implications and any new insights. Emphasise key learning points and identify potential future research avenues. This section serves as the core of the case report
• Conclusion:Summarise the key takeaways from the case and its importance in clinical practice
• References:Cite relevant literature and studies that support your discussion and provide context for your case
• Acknowledgments (if applicable):Acknowledge any contributions from colleagues or institutions

You can find further guidance here on writing case reports.

Patient consent

Patient consent is essential and we require all case reports to be sent with a completed disclaimer form to confirm that you have obtained consent. You can use our consent form, or your organisations’ if preferred. We recommend that once consent is obtained, it is held within the patient’s records; we do not usually request to see the actual consent form but it should filed securely in case it is required.

Format

Case reports must be submitted as a Word document with references in the Vancouver style. We recommend that case reports are 1,500 – 2,500 words long and include 4-6 echo images.

All images must be submitted as separate pdf or jpg files in order to preserve image quality. All images should have patient identifying information removed before submission. All images require captions and we recommend that you add the captions at the end of the Word document, ahead of the references i.e. Figure 1: Parasternal short-axis image showing bi-directional flow across a large defect in the inferior wall.

We also ask for profile pictures of all named authors.

Examples

You may wish to refer to past editions for examples of accepted case reports.

Access the ECHO archives

Checklist

Have you:

• Included headshots for author photos?
• Included job titles and centre name(s)?
• Included individual images of scans, tables or graphs in pdf or jpeg format?
• Completed a patient consent form if required?
• Completed and sent an author statement of consent form?
• Completed and sent a submission form?